Myanmar celebrates International Day of Yoga with a demonstration of 500 enthusiasts in Yangon

500 yoga enthusiasts perform a common yoga protocol including prescribed asanas in the presence of more than 3,000 spectators at Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium in Yangon on Sunday. Photo: Ye Myint

Yangon, 21 June — As part of celebrations around the world marking the inaugural International Day of Yoga, yoga enthusiasts performed a demonstration of yoga postures at Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon on Sunday morning.
Some 500 people mainly drawn from yoga centres in Yangon took part in the demonstration of the ancient Indian practice aimed at showing local observance of the special day designated by the United Nations.
Men, women and children ranging in age from five to 65bent and twisted their bodies in unison at the mass session. Among the more than 3,000 attendees including schoolchildren were Deputy Minister for Sports U Zaw Win and the Indian ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Gautam Mukhopadyaya, Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Tun Tun Naung and officials. “Yoga means unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfillment, harmony between man and nature”, said the Indian Ambassador in his welcome remarks, adding that yoga is an exercise and a form of meditation. In his welcome address, the deputy sports minister said that the ministry is pleased to see the widespread popularity of practicing yoga among Myanmar enthusiasts.
Myanmar was one of 177 countries to vote in favour of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal at the United Nations General Assembly last year for a world Yoga Day. The United Nations declared 21 June, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, as the International Day of Yoga through a resolution in December 2014.
“Yoga is good thing. Everyone regardless of age should do it”, said Wai Lu Kyaw, an award-winning movie star who was invited to give remarks on yoga at the public event, suggesting schoolchildren do yoga for attaining peak fitness when they grow up. Similar IDY celebrations were held simultaneously across the world in more than 251 cities of 192 countries. According to the Indian Embassy, a similar yoga event took place at Mandalar Thiri Football Stadium in Mandalay.